Police Take Teens Into Custody Downtown

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DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS (KTVI)-Twenty-four teens or young adults were taken into custody Saturday night in downtown St. Louis near Kiener Plaza and Luther Ely Smith Park. St. Louis police said they had been causing a disturbance, blocking sidewalks and the flow of traffic.

The youngest involved was just 13 years old and the oldest was 20. Juveniles were later released to their parents from the Central Division Patrol. Four adults, age 17 and older, were arrested and will face charges of disturbing the peace and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

One restaurant worker told FOX 2 some young people may have had a dispute with people in a van on Chestnut St. She saw one person jump from the van and chase the teens who ran into the Kiener Plaza park.

Cardinal fans and tourists paused to watch as officers loaded the handcuffed young people into paddy wagons. Security personnel for nearby hotels and restaurants and the Old Courthouse were visible.

Last June police had to deal with large numbers of underage people crowding the Washington Avenue nightclub area. University City have faced similar problems along Delmar in the Loop area. Police and businesses owners worked to divert the crowds and discourage loitering so legitimate customers could enjoy the restaurant and night club districts.